Touching first encounters: Touching images of fathers meeting their children for the first time.

It is impossible to capture in words the rush of emotions that come with seeing your newborn for the first time: a combination of love, relief, and excitement that overwhelms you.

The intensity of birth is difficult to describe, but photographs of fathers meeting their babies for the first time offer a glimpse into the ecstasy of the moment. To truly comprehend the special bond between father and baby, one must witness it firsthand.

There is a distinct difference between being a parent who gives birth and one who stands by. Fathers have described being in awe as they watched their partners bring their child into the world. Once the child is in their arms, most parents are overcome with emotion, unable to fully express the intensity of their feelings.

The stunning images submitted to the 2019 Birth Becomes Her Photo Contest highlight the beautiful and powerful relationship between father and child from the moment the newborn enters their life. These visuals offer proof of the instant connection that words cannot fully convey.

Love At First Sight

In this photo Ƅy Ashley of Hello BéBé Full Spectruм Birth Serʋices, a father looks at his child while his partner holds their new baby only seconds after he or she was born, the eмotion is eʋident. The father seeмs close to tears as he angles his Ƅody towards his faмily, and eʋerything aƄout the image conʋeys how мuch loʋe this couple has for their little Ƅundle.

Pure Joy

This photo, captured by Alyssa Kapnik Samuel, shows a new father cuddling his baby and grinning as widely as he can. The new dad’s overwhelming happiness is contagious.

Finally, Finally

This amazing shot, submitted by the photographers at Fox Valley Birth and Baby, portrays the moment a couple meets their surrogate baby. The father cradles his child and his partner, looking at them both with devotion. The father’s love is evident in his emotional expression.

Tearful and Tired

Just seconds after this baby was born, the hospital team laid this child on his mom’s chest, with his dad looking at his child with tears in his eyes as documented by Lisa Lord of Lilo Photography.  It’s a euphoric photo of family bonding, and the father’s tenderness emanates.

Papa Bear

In this photo also captured by Lisa Lord, a father watches over his kid as he receives oxygen treatment shortly after his delivery. Dad wants to be with his child while he is being treated by doctors, sticking by his side while he adjusts to his new surroundings.

First Kiss

This sweet photo, taken by Lisa Lord, While hospital professionals, clean him up, Dad softly kisses his child’s fingers, treating him with the utmost care. Their gazes are drawn to one another, love flowing between father and son.

The Big Moment

This photo, captured by Norma Hess of Norma Hess Photography, shows a father seeing his child come into the world. The father looks on as the baby breathes in the world, and his outstretched arms show how much he already wants to have his child close to him.

There You Are

In this shot by Erin Fortney, dad and born practically grasp for each other. At the time, all dad could think about was his child.

First Hug

A dad holds his child in this image captured by Crawford Morris, with mom looking on lovingly at the pair. Dad rests his chest on the child’s chest and his face on the child?’s head. Warmth radiates from the parents.

Elated

Even if you tried, you couldn’t ignore the excitement in this shot by Brianne Sanders Photography. Dad appears to be in a state of euphoria about the arrival of their baby. The photo is enhanced by his delightfully closed eyelids.